Regulatory control systemsfrom pneumatic single loop
controllers to modern distributed control systemshave
proven to be very successful in managing the basics of plant
operations, regardless of the nature of the processes involved.
Over time, technological advancements have enabled dramatic
improvements to be made in the functionality that process
automation systems provide, enabling them to perform
increasingly complex tasks. However, until recently, the
primary purpose of these systems has been to control process
variables, such as temperatures, pressures, levels and flows,
with the goal of achieving stable and safe plant
operations.

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